Zanele Mbokazi Nkambule, renowned radio personality and founder of the Crown Gospel Awards, will receive a provincial funeral. Mbokazi-Nkambule, who is famously known as MaZet to her fans, will be buried today, and her funeral service will be held at the ICC in Durban this morning, and she will be laid to rest at Marianhill in Pinetown, KwaZulu Natal.

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL FUNERAL

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli confirmed last night that President Cyril Ramaphosa granted Mbokazi-Nkambule a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2. The special provincial official funeral category 2 includes elements of police ceremonial honours, and it is reserved for distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of South Africa on request by the Premier of a province. Ntuli described Mbokazi-Nkambule as a visionary and pathfinder who changed many lives, especially of young people, through her academy, Future Leaders, which was founded to develop and mould the youth into responsible and successful future leaders in various fields. "We share the passion she had for the development of youth. We are inspired by her pioneering spirit. There is no doubt that her vision for progressive and prosperous KwaZulu-Natal intersects with the vision we hold for this province,' said Ntuli. 

SHE MOTIVATED THE YOUNG AND OLD

Ntuli said Mbokazi-Nkambule distinguished herself on radio and television as a broadcaster and used the platforms to motivate women, young girls, rural people, and the vulnerable. "She started these awards from scratch with little financial support. She developed this proudly KwaZulu-Natal brand, which today is continentally appreciated and has produced so many musicians. We will replicate her entrepreneurial spirit as our way of upholding her legacy and continue to celebrate her across the province,' said Ntuli. Ntuli said that they had made the request to the Ramaphosa to declare Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule's sending off a Special Provincial Official Funeral. "On behalf of our province, I wish to thank the President for this respect and special send-off he has bestowed on the daughter of the KwaZulu-Natal.'.

Mbokazi-Nkambule passed away on Monday morning after losing a battle with lung cancer. She leaves behind her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, and her daughters, Yolanda and Mawande Myeza.